Timelapse Cinemagraphs | Persecond + Cinemagraph Pro for macOS

Learn how to create timelapse cinemagraphs in Persecond and Cinemagraph Pro for macOS

Written by Vikki Dziuma Updated over a week ago

One of the best ways to get started with Persecond and Cinemagraph Pro for macOS is by watching our video tutorials. These tutorials will help you gain a better understanding of where the product features are located and how to apply them before creating your first timelapse cinemagraph. Continue reading to learn how to create timelapse cinemagraphs using Persecond and Cinemagraph Pro for macOS.

Step 1: Persecond for macOS

Drag and drop an image sequence into the editor or select Browse for Images to add images. Images may also be add under the File menu or using the keyboard shortcut ⌘O (Command-O). Remember that your timelapse must be recorded on a tripod or steady surface to create a successful cinemagraph!

Drag the trimmer handles on the timeline to select the content of your timelapse.

Drag the slider below the timeline to adjust the speed of your timelapse to be faster or slower.

Select Reverse if you want to reverse the playback of your timelapse.

Export your timelapse

Step 2: Cinemagraph Pro for macOS

Drag and drop the timelapse into the welcome window or select Browse to create a new document. A new document may also be created under the File menu or using the keyboard shortcut ⌘N (Command-N).

Drag the trimmer handles on the timeline to select the content of your timelapse cinemagraph.

Drag the still image selector (purple marker) anywhere on the timeline to select a still image from your source video.

Paint a mask on your cinemagraph to determine which areas of your timelapse cinemagraph are in motion. You can switch between the brush and eraser tools by selecting the corresponding tool or using the keyboard shortcut X. Use the sliders to adjust the size, hardness, and opacity of your brush and eraser.

Bounce or repeat the loop. As the names suggest, a bounce loop will bounce the motion in your cinemagraph forward and backward while a repeat loop will repeat the motion from beginning to end.

Adjust the crossfade, speed, and delay of your timelapse cinemagraph. Crossfade, which is available for repeat loops, will determine the type of transition between the end and beginning of your trim. Increase the crossfade to produce a gradual transition between loops and decrease the crossfade to produce a more sudden transition.

If you want to make adjustments to your still image, such as adding text or logos, select Export under the still image tab. Select Import to import the edited still image or a new image in the app.

Go to the adjustments tab to adjust the color, light, tone curve, and vignette of your timelapse cinemagraph. You can also browse through a library of filters under the presets tab and create custom ones to apply to future cinemagraphs.